“There will also be a number of invited quests addressing delegates,” he said.

Mr McCartney said people can follow the Ard Fheis using social media sites.

“The Ard Fheis is an opportunity for us to put our party policies out there. And particularly during the live session when we will have an opportunity for party activists and spokespeople to state clearly what our policy positions on key issues.

“Over the weekend we expect more than 2000 delegates and visitors from across all 32 counties and abroad to be in attendance. We expect a good and constructive weekend of debate and discussion which will inform the development of our policies over the coming year,” he said.

RTE and BBC will screen the live sessions on the Saturday morning and Gerry Adams’ presidential address will be broadcast live at 8.30pm on Saturday night.

Local people will also be albe to follow the action and debates on Twitter at the @sinnfeinireland feed using the hastag #sfaf14